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John Rabone Tape Measures

NOTE: As you read, you’ll see hand-picked, well-kept, fairly priced pieces—often nearby—to save you time (and maybe shipping). Affiliate links inside; purchases may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick-reference gallery of John Rabone & Sons tape measures.

Collage of detailed photos of John Rabone & Sons tape measures showing embossed leather case stamps, brass winders, a paper label reading Metallic Wire Measuring Tape No. 400, and a later gray RABONE FIBRON case with three red triangles, illustrating brand evolution from late 19th to mid-20th century.
Image: Maker’s marks through the decades—close-ups of John Rabone & Sons tape measures from Birmingham, England.
Source: Stable MARK - own work.

Catalog images with model IDs, dates, markings, and materials—plus genuine Rabone vintage pieces available to buy.

Fibron Tape Measure No. 2911

Close-up of a vintage blue Rabone Fibron measuring tape with white fiberglass tape extended, showing black inch markings and metal loop end.
Image: A mid-20th century Rabone Fibron fiberglass measuring tape, housed in a blue plastic-coated case. Designed for durability, the tape was marketed as resistant to stretching and unaffected by moisture.
Source: Internet Archive

Manufactured from Fibre Glass and coated with P.V.C. These tapes have outstanding length keeping properties and remain constant in length even when wound wet into the case. Marked on both sides of tape with any two measures.

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Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911
Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911
Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911
Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911
Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911
Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1  66ft Tape Measure  In Box Rabone 2911

Vintage Rabone Chesterman Fibron 291 /1 66ft Tape Measure In Box Rabone 2911

Location: United Kingdom
Buy Now: ≈ 28.86 USD
(original price: 21.48 GBP)
Seller: 69jez
(1320) 100.00% positive

See More Still curious? Click here to see John Rabone Spirit Levels and Plumbs.

Metallic Woven Tape Measure No.4011

Close-up of a vintage Rabone metallic woven measuring tape in a round brown leather case with brass details, showing white tape with large black inch numbers.
Image: A Rabone No. 4011 metallic woven tape measure housed in a traditional brown leather case with brass fittings. The tape is reinforced with interwoven metal threads for durability.
Source: Internet Archive

This quality metallic tape is woven from best Egyptian cotton with eight tinsel threads interwoven throughout the length of the tape. It is supplied in traditional leather case with heavy brass fittings. It is not recommend this tape to be used where there is any possibility of electrical contact.

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MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401
MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401
MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401
MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401
MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401
MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401

MID 20th CENTURY JOHN RABONE & SONS LEATHER & BRASS 100ft TAPE MEASURE No.401

Location: United Kingdom
Buy Now: $ 20.03
Seller: zoshan
(17213) 99.70% positive

See More Still curious? Click here to see John Rabone Folding Boxwood Rules.

Black Etched Steel Tape Measure No. 4151

Close-up of a vintage Rabone black etched steel measuring tape in a round brown leather case with brass crank handle, showing black tape with white etched inch markings.
Image: A Rabone No. 4151 black etched steel measuring tape in a brown leather case with brass winding handle. The black tape with bright etched markings ensured strong contrast and easy readability.
Source: Internet Archive

The Black Etched Steel Measuring Tapes are made from premium-grade steel, designed for accuracy and long service life. Their dark background provides a sharp contrast with the bright etched figures, making them easy to read even in low light. They are offered in a choice of traditional leather cases with sturdy brass fittings, plastic-coated steel cases with chromium fittings, or plain black steel cases.

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Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415
Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415
Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415
Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415
Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415
Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft  no.415

Steel Rule , vintage , Leather Case, John Rabone And Sons, B-ham. 33ft no.415

Location: United Kingdom
Buy Now: ≈ 17.46 USD
(original price: 13.00 GBP)
Seller: alfaboy2
(866) 100.00% positive

See More Still curious? Click here to see John Rabone Boxwood and Brass Calliper Gauges.

White Bond Steel Tape Measure No. WB. 4851

Close-up of a vintage Rabone White Bond Steel measuring tape in a red case, with white tape extended showing black markings and a metal loop end.
Image: A Rabone White Bond Steel tape measure in a bright red case with chrome winding knob. The white steel tape provides clear contrast for easy reading and durability.
Source: Internet Archive

This tape is designed as a versatile, general-purpose tool, suitable for everyday measuring tasks where excessive wear is not expected. It is offered in a choice of durable cases: traditional leather with brass fittings, plastic-coated steel with chromium fittings, or plain black steel.

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Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England
Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England
Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England
Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England
Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England
Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England

Vintage RABONE England 'WHITE BOND' No.WB4851 66ft Steel Tape Measure England

Location: United Kingdom
Buy Now: ≈ 22.84 USD
(original price: 17.00 GBP)
Seller: lulus_emarket
(1325) 99.80% positive

See More Still curious? Click here to see more John Rabone Tools.

Chrome Bond Steel Tape Measure No. CB. 4151

Close-up of a vintage Rabone Chrome Bond Steel measuring tape in a brown stitched leather case with brass winding knob, showing white tape with black markings.
Image: A Rabone Chrome Bond Steel measuring tape in a brown leather case with brass fittings. The tape is chromium-coated and lacquered for resistance to rust and abrasion.
Source: Internet Archive

Chrome Bond Measuring Tapes are an advanced alternative to standard steel tapes, offering strong resistance to rust and corrosion. The steel blade is protected by multiple chromium layers and finished with a synthetic lacquer that resists abrasion. They are available in a range of cases, including traditional leather with brass fittings, plastic-coated steel with chromium fittings, or black steel.

Learn More Still curious? Click here to learn about the The History and the Legacy of John Rabone & Sons.

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